44. Peter Schmitt

The last time Schmitt made this list was 2006, when he wielded his power as the vocal minority leader while both the legislative majority and county executive seat were held by Democrats. His power grew last year after the GOP recaptured the majority and the county exec in the 2009 elections. How he has used that power has raised some eyebrows, even for the characteristically dismissive Republican. His controversial plan to drastically redraw the county’s legislative district lines ahead of schedule this year has landed in court—despite GOP claims that it’s all being done by the book. Whether you agree with him or not, the man fights for what he thinks is right. And in Nassau politics he is not lacking for good fights.